Swann signs new deal with Northants

Graeme Swann has ended speculation that he is leaving Northamptonshire by signing a new one-year contract.

Swann admitted that he had received offers from other counties, but said he was keen to stay at Northants despite Kepler Wessels, the coach, questioning his attitude last season.

Talking to the Northampton Chronicle and Echo Swann, 23, said: "It's nice to have all the negotiations finally sorted and I'm now looking forward to playing another season with Northants back where we belong in the first division.

"I don't think things were ever that bad between myself and Kepler. He was probably a bit frustrated with me at the time, but judging by how things went at the end of the season I think that is all in the past now and we've moved on."

Swann was offered a new contract at the beginning of August, but preferred to wait until now to commit. "It was more a case of wanting to finish the season first and leave all the negotiations till then," he said. "Although leaving was an option, and there was quite a bit of interest from other counties, the thought of moving was never really there. I wanted to leave it till the end of the season and not have my mind clouded with contract negotiations.

"I finished the season really well and it wouldn't be the best idea to move when we have got back into the first division and with the way we play with spinning wickets here. I want to start next year where I left off last season."

Swann also predicted big things from the two new signings, Usman Afzaal and Steffan Jones and insisted Northants have a great chance of doing more than just avoiding relegation next season.

"They are both players with immense experience," he said. "I toured with Usman with England Under-19s. He is a very good player and will do well. I don't know so much about Steffan, but he is the kind of player that will improve the team. With the players we have already got, to add these two is a real bonus and hopefully means we will be challenging for silverware."